Women's lacrosse breakout sensation, Allison Jennings

Freshman attacker Allison Jennings gets amped up while she runs through the tunnel of sticks made by her teammates before their game against the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers.

When it comes to the challenge of progressing to a new level of competition or joining a new team, one thing is certain: there is great difficulty in the process, especially for freshman athletes. However, Brockport women’s lacrosse freshman attacker Allison Jennings, isn’t your typical first-year recruit.

Originally from Memphis, NY, where she attended Jordan-Elbridge High School, Jennings has found a new home in Brockport with The College at Brockport women’s lacrosse team. In most cases, when making the transition from a high school to collegiate sport, athletes undergo a period of sideline time and do not break into a team until gaining more experience. Regardless of the common approach, Jennings’ jump from high school lacrosse to college has been anything but that.

Since the start of her collegiate career, Jennings and her team have racked up 11 wins in 12 contests and have continued to pummel SUNYAC opponents while remaining undefeated in the conference. The freshman attacker is joined by eight other first-year athletes, but has stood out from the rest of her class. Jennings currently has 32 goals on the season, placing her in the number two spot in Brockport’s scoring charts and seventh in the SUNYAC.

Jennings’ promising start to college lacrosse has been greatly attributed to her offensive prowess. However, her on-field maturity and mental game is what separates her from the rest.

“[Jennings’] consistency makes her somebody to be modeled after,” head coach Stephen Wagner said. “She has the mental acumen necessary.”

The freshman prospect has blossomed into a frightening attacking force that has already cemented herself as one of the best scorers in the conference. Jennings’ performance thus far was not only a surprise to everyone around her but also herself.

“I was definitely not expecting this success my first year,” Jennings said. “The success along with my team’s success only serves as motivation to work even harder.”

Clearly, the freshman star has settled well into the collegiate side of the game and appears as if she will continue to do so. Apart from being away from home, performing at the college level was a factor that Jennings had to adjust to. The speed, skill level and overall expectations can often be discouraging for young athletes and may result in a loss of confidence along with form. Despite the restrictions a changeover to a college team may possess, Jennings has remained unphased.

“I feel at home — even away from home,” Jennings said. “The differences from [high school lacrosse] to college took some time to get used to but I enjoy [the college level] more.”

As it stands, Brockport has become one of the strongest teams in the SUNYAC and developed a lethal offense along the way. Although the team has seen massive success in its past season, its current run of form suggests this year’s roster might be one of the most talented groups the organization has put out.

While there are three conference games left to be played in the 2019 campaign, Jennings’ contribution to Brockport’s undefeated record in the SUNYAC is not one to look past. The wunderkind’s future with the group and its aspirations remains bright.

“There is really no stopping her,” senior attacker Sara Grapevine said. “She has become an integral part of our offense.”

As the season unravels into its last few contests and conference playoff stages are fastly approaching, Brockport’s prolific attack is set to play a big role in its hunt for the SUNYAC title that has been in Cortland’s possession for the past three years. In the team’s attacking force, Jennings will look to continue her breakout season and aid her team in claiming the 2019 championship.

Brockport’s upcoming matches will arguably prove to be its biggest tests of the season as the team is set to face the remaining undefeated sides of the conference, Geneseo and Cortland. While Brockport has had the upper hand in goal scoring, the two opponents have been solid throughout their respective races to the top of the standings. Nevertheless, the standings are prone to shift when all the teams play each other. Brockport faces Geneseo on Wednesday, April 17 at 4 p.m. and Cortland 10 days later for the concluding match of the regular season.